Coalition challenges YouTube blocking in China

The blocking of YouTube
in China
is "inconsistent with the rule of law and the right to freedom of
expression," the Global Network Initiative said in a statement today. CPJ is a
member of the Initiative, a
coalition of information and communications companies, human rights
organizations, academics, and investors that resists government censorship worldwide.

The Initiative noted
that Chinese
government has not provided an explanation of whether YouTube is officially
blocked, what content is at issue, or on whose authority the blocking was
imposed. The blocking appeared to begin on Monday, CNN reported.

The Initiative's statement said, in part:

This incident is
only the latest example of increasing threats to freedom of expression around
the world. Responding to such threats requires collaboration among a broad
spectrum of companies, civil society organizations, investors, and academics,
working with governments and multilateral organizations that support
international human rights and the rule of law.

Worldwide, the group said, YouTube has been blocked more
than a dozen times by governments that are "falling short of human rights
principles in troubling ways."